Berserk: The Prophet

Because his short and slightly overweight father was a head shorter than him. And given his usual personality, He Kun obviously wouldn't look up to talk to him, so the two maintained a distance of about two or three meters from the beginning.

This made He Kun's face, already covered in pustules and tumors, appear even more grotesque and terrifying in the dimly lit room. The pustules, like overripe fruit, were slightly swollen, as if pus could flow out at any moment; while the tumors were like bombs buried deep in the flesh, enough to make any ordinary person shudder at a glance.

There was no way to discern his expression from that face, which resembled that of a vile demon, nor could one fathom his true intentions.

“Grunberdo really does have the ambition to usurp the throne. If he really cared about you, why would he actually go along with your mother…” He Kun paused, then continued, “He doesn’t care about you as a friend at all, does he? All you’ve done all this time has just been working for someone else’s benefit.”

Upon hearing this, Edward clenched his fists and gritted his teeth. That kind of thing... would be an extremely shameful insult to anyone.

Edward stared intently at He Kun, flames of anger burning within him. He gritted his teeth, but forced himself to suppress his displeasure. "...What are you trying to say?"

However, He Kun suddenly laughed, the sound echoing in the cramped, secret room, even sounding somewhat eerie.

"You almost killed your own mother... That shameless woman should have learned her lesson long ago!"

"You've finally shown some of the domineering presence befitting royalty. With that, Gurenberudo's hopes of becoming king are dashed," Hekun said coldly.

Recalling the feeling of his mother's slender, fragile neck being almost severed in his hands, Edward's hands trembled involuntarily. That kind of thing...

"No...I..."

What a horrible thing he did!! He almost...

“I understand.” He Kun nodded seriously.

“It’s all Grunberdo’s fault! You’re not his shadow.” Hokun patted Edward on the shoulder, whispering like a spell.

These lines weren't something He Kun came up with on his own; rather, they were prepared by the shadow puppeteer Mad Wuxiu after he thoroughly collected all the relevant information about Gurenbelud.

Although He Kun's acting wasn't particularly outstanding, it was enough to shake Edward. However, it was clearly not enough to break him down.

"Damn it...! Damn it, damn it...!"

It was as if a string in my heart had snapped, and the will-o'-the-wisps of anger and jealousy were burning inside me, gradually pushing the two gentle flames to the sides.

In any case, Edward's behavior at this point was completely in accordance with the script designed by Madwood.

This scene was so delightful that He Kun had to exert all his strength to hold back his laughter.

"There's no going back now. Do you want to stay buried in the shadow of Gurenbeludor, or do you want to take control of everything with your blood-stained hands? The choice is yours."

To Edward, Hokun's words were as tempting as the forbidden fruit offered by the serpent in the Garden of Eden.

Edward naturally understood the implication in Hokun's words: everything comes at a price.

But he's not completely penniless now...

Power and emotion can never coexist; they are as difficult to choose between as fish and bear's paw. In this chaotic world, it is difficult for ordinary people to maintain a good mental state without either one.

Edward was caught in a deep struggle and confusion. His eyes were bloodshot, and his thoughts were a jumbled mess.

Edward felt as if he were in a dark abyss, unable to find a way out, as if he were still hearing Hokun's shrill laughter.

"Is there really no turning back?" Edward muttered to himself, slumping onto the stool as if all his strength had been drained.

...How should I choose?

His gaze was sometimes lost, sometimes resolute; the inner conflict tormented him.

"Do I really have to control everything with hands stained with blood?" Edward closed his eyes in anguish. "But how can I live in the shadow of others forever?"

At this moment, he was like a ship lost in a storm, adrift on a turbulent sea, not knowing where to go or what to do.

He always knew that there was nothing in this world that could be obtained without any effort or sacrifice.

The maternal love that brushed over his head when he was a child was only of use because he still had value due to the bloodline belonging to the Grand Duke. Once he was ranked last, he had little remaining value, and even if he were captured, no one would care.

So from a young age, he tried hard to become excellent, always making efforts in exchange for a warm smile or a few words of recognition.

Because as long as he achieves enough success, his mother will smile.

He always thought he wasn't working hard enough. However, the harshness of the world made him realize that hard work doesn't always guarantee a fair reward.

...Not everyone has the right to live and to choose.

...Just like not all Grantians are the incredibly strong monster, Gruberdo.

Edward gave a self-deprecating laugh. An ordinary person like him could never possibly break into enemy lines alone and emerge unscathed.

But his former best friend ignored his existence time and time again. Gurunberdo's own affairs always took precedence over his comrades who had fought together for more than a decade.

He probably didn't even realize that his feelings for that dragon priestess had gone far beyond those of siblings.

If Edward were to take Benedict hostage, he would be absolutely confident that he could make Glenn Belluddo surrender without a fight and kneel before him.

The thought flashed through Edward's mind. He had always been adept at using various methods to deal with enemies, and he admitted that he was not a person who acted with integrity.

For him, living on such a small island with limited conditions and extremely scarce war resources, all he needed to do was achieve victory with minimal losses, regardless of the method.

He knew that if he colluded with the Grand Duke and tried to ascend the throne where everything could be controlled by blood, he would become one of the most despicable and vile nobles he had ever despised.

It also means losing everything you have now, something you can barely hold onto, in exchange for a vague and uncertain throne promised by a father who doesn't like you.

Whichever option you choose, you'll feel a sense of emptiness, as if your feet are off the ground, and one wrong step will plunge you into an abyss of endless darkness.

No... no one can understand the torment Edward is going through right now.

If he had nothing at this moment, he would definitely choose the bait that He Kun threw out without hesitation.

When Madwood approached him, he was already somewhat dissatisfied with Gurunberdo, but he would still stand firmly by Gurunberdo's side.

It wasn't until Kirsten's private conversation with Gullenberger that he felt truly excluded and uneasy, a feeling of being distrusted that wasn't entirely unfounded...

Edward's choices are dwindling, and He Kun is essentially forcing him to make a decision. Should he choose to rely on his father, with whom he shares blood but feels no affection, or should he choose to trust his comrades, who are more like family than blood relatives...?

"What are you still hesitating for?!" He Kun, seeing Edward's hesitation, urged him impatiently, his voice carrying an emotion he himself was unaware of—admiration for the strong, consumed by jealousy, and rage beyond control.

...In any case, I hope our original intention to protect this place will not change.

Hickel's words surfaced in Edward's confused mind, like a thunderclap piercing the night.

The lingering soft touch on my lips felt as fresh as ever, instantly calming my racing thoughts.

He could, of course, betray Gurenbeludo; after all, he deserved it. But he couldn't betray Hekel, couldn't bear to see Hekel's disappointment in him; a powerful love soothed his restless ambition.

Yes, the one who has always asked for nothing in return is that silver-haired woman with a pair of light blue eyes.

She stood up for him without any ulterior motive when he was bullied as a child, and it wasn't for any political maneuver or personal gain!

She dispelled his sadness and anxiety when he was at his most vulnerable. Even though she herself was worried about the future and heartbroken by her beloved's impatience... she still patiently listened to his plight.

How could he let the owner of those aquamarine eyes down?! How could he bear to...?

...Because of you, you must be the one who can't bear to see Sister Heikeel get hurt the most!